Devastating Floods Displace Thousands in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Strategic Insights -

Flooding in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, has displaced thousands of people, including Abiye Bawa, an eight-month pregnant woman, who was forced to flee her community in September 2022. Now living in an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camp, she recently gave birth and relies on the healthcare services provided at the camp and a nearby healthcare center. The flooding has disrupted healthcare services, causing significant public health threats, including the spread of water- and vector-borne diseases. The Nasarawa State government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been providing healthcare services in the displacement camps, with a focus on supporting children, pregnant, and lactating mothers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 145,000 people have been displaced from 95 communities in 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nasarawa State.
  • 11 out of 13 LGAs in the state are affected, with 11 health facilities partially or completely flooded, disrupting healthcare services.
  • Pregnant women like Abiye Bawa now live in camps for the displaced and require urgent care, increasing the risk of health complications.
  • The flooding has led to the spread of infectious diseases, including diarrheal diseases, skin infections, respiratory tract infections, malaria, and snake bites.
  • The Nasarawa State government and WHO have been providing healthcare services in the displacement camps, with particular support to children, pregnant, and lactating mothers.
  • WHO has delivered medical supplies, increased disease monitoring, and trained health workers on cholera case management and infection prevention control measures.
  • The state is working to map and link affected communities to health facilities closer to them in their displaced area, with the support of WHO.

Statistics:

  • 145,000 people displaced from 95 communities in 11 LGAs in Nasarawa State.
  • 11 health facilities partially or completely flooded, serving a catchment population of 17,401.
  • 2600 medical supply packages distributed by WHO to manage cholera and other health issues.
  • 65 rapid response team members deployed by WHO to provide emergency healthcare services.
  • Over 100 people living in a small space in the IDP camp, increasing the risk of health complications.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO) - Nigeria: "WHO coordinates stakeholders' meeting to carry out situation analysis and review intervention carried out to help government's emergency response in Nasarawa State, Nigeria."
  • APO Group: "WHO provides emergency aid to mitigate the health effects of the floods in Nasarawa State, Nigeria."